UK Cold Storage Market Research Report By Type Outlook (Refrigerated Warehouse, Refrigerated Transport), By Temperature Type Outlook (Frozen, Chilled) and By Application Outlook (Dairy and Frozen Desserts, Fish, Meat and Seafood Products, Bakery and Confectionery Products, Fruit Vegetables, Others)- Forecast to 2035

UK Cold Storage Market Overview

As per MRFR analysis, the UK Cold Storage Market Size was estimated at 7.53 (USD Billion) in 2023.The UK Cold Storage Market is expected to grow from 8.64(USD Billion) in 2024 to 30.45 (USD Billion) by 2035. The UK Cold Storage Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 12.133% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).

Key UK Cold Storage Market Trends Highlighted

Rising demand for perishable food goods and growing inclination for online grocery shopping are driving notable expansion of the UK Cold Storage Market. UK companies are investing in innovative cold storage technologies to guarantee product quality and safety during transit as more customers want fresh and frozen food products delivered to their homes. Further tightening rules on food safety and waste management forces companies to improve their cold chain operations, which increases demand for cold storage facilities. Adopting modern technologies, like IoT systems and automation, also presents chances for increased efficiency and lower energy use.

Rising sustainability consciousness in the UK market is driving operators to look for environmentally friendly cold storage options. While matching with the carbon reduction targets of the UK, investments in energy-efficient refrigeration systems and renewable energy sources may provide new paths for development. With more attention on supply chain resilience and food security, latest trends show that the COVID-19 epidemic has permanently altered consumer behavior. Companies are reassigning funds to maximize their logistics, thereby allowing them to react faster to changes in the market. The market for temperature-sensitive items is projected to revive gradually when restaurants and cafés reopen, therefore supporting the cold storage industry.

Moreover, alliances between cold storage suppliers and food manufacturers are developing as businesses look for simplified supply chains to improve product delivery, therefore indicating a more cooperative approach in the UK Cold Storage Market.

 

 

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

UK Cold Storage Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Perishable Goods

Demand for perishable items such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables are driving a notable expansion in the UK Cold Storage Market. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs claims that over the last ten years, food output has increased by 20% in response to an increasing need for adequate storage options. Cold storage facilities are becoming important as customers want premiums, safe-to-eat meals and buy fresh goods more often.

Tesco and Sainsbury's are, therefore, extending their cold storage capacity to satisfy these needs, which drives more investment in cold storage infrastructure throughout the United Kingdom. This trend is expected to improve the cold storage market by supporting the construction of new facilities that meet safety and quality criteria, thereby promoting significant industry development.

Technological Advancements in Cold Storage

Important factors in the UK Cold Storage Market include technological developments in refrigeration methods and temperature monitoring. Using IoT-enabled gadgets and automated storage systems has improved running efficiency. The British Refrigeration Association emphasizes how cutting-edge refrigeration technology may boost energy efficiency by thirty percent, drastically lowering companies' running expenses.

Leading companies like IHG and Ahold Delhaize have started including advanced temperature control systems, which not only guarantee product safety but also help sustainability by reducing energy use. As businesses search for competitive advantages via increased efficiency and lower environmental impact, this technical development is projected to support market expansion.

Growth of E-commerce and Online Grocery Shopping

The explosion in e-commerce and online grocery shopping in the UK drives demand for cold storage solutions. Driven mainly by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Office for National Statistics reports that online retail sales jumped a startling 36% in 2020. To satisfy the growing demand for home delivery of perishable goods, major stores such as Amazon and Ocado are significantly spending on cold storage logistics. This change in customer behavior calls for sophisticated and large-scale cold storage facilities to help the rising online order volume.

A key factor influencing investment in the cold storage sector and suggesting significant future expansion is customers' rising tendency to choose the convenience of online buying.

UK Cold Storage Market Segment Insights:

Cold Storage Market Type Outlook Insights

The UK Cold Storage Market has seen a transformative growth trajectory, particularly within the Type Outlook segment, which encompasses both Refrigerated Warehouse and Refrigerated Transport.

This segment has become crucial in supporting various industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, as businesses increasingly rely on efficient storage solutions to maintain product integrity throughout the supply chain. The Refrigerated Warehouse serves as a backbone for distribution in the UK, ensuring that perishable goods are stored under controlled temperatures, thereby extending shelf life and reducing waste. The growth of e-commerce and online grocery shopping has also propelled the need for these warehouses, creating a significant demand for cold storage facilities across urban areas.

In parallel, Refrigerated Transport plays a vital role in cold chain logistics by enabling the safe transit of temperature-sensitive products from warehouses to retailers and consumers. The importance of this sub-segment cannot be understated, as it ensures the timely delivery of fresh produce and pharmaceuticals while minimizing spoilage.

With the implementation of stricter food safety regulations in the UK, robust tracking and monitoring systems within the refrigerated transport sector have become essential, enhancing not only compliance but also consumer trust in the supply chain process. The combination of these elements illustrates that the Type Outlook segment is instrumental in meeting the increasing demand for cold storage solutions, driven by trends like health-conscious consumer behavior and the rise of automation in logistics.

Moreover, advancements in technology such as IoT for temperature monitoring and blockchain for tracking are expected to offer further opportunities for innovation and efficiency, solidifying the significance of both Refrigerated Warehouse and Refrigerated Transport in shaping the future dynamics of the UK Cold Storage Market.

 

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Cold Storage Market Temperature Type Outlook Insights

The UK Cold Storage Market exhibits a significant focus on the Temperature Type Outlook, which is categorized into Frozen and Chilled segments. The Frozen segment plays a crucial role in preserving food items for longer durations, catering extensively to the growth of the UK's e-commerce sector and food distribution channels. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods among consumers. Conversely, the Chilled segment has gained prominence due to a rising preference for fresh produce and dairy products, aligning with consumer trends toward healthier eating habits.The UK Cold Storage Market segmentation reflects a robust growth trajectory attributed to factors such as urbanization, changes in dietary patterns, and stringent food safety regulations. 

Additionally, advancements in refrigeration technology bolster the efficiency and sustainability of cold storage solutions, addressing market challenges and opening up new opportunities for innovation. Furthermore, the UK government’s commitment to food security and waste reduction further enhances the significance of these segments in the overall marketplace.Overall, the evolving landscape within temperature-controlled storage highlights a strategic convergence of consumer demands and operational efficiencies in the cold storage realm.

Cold Storage Market Application Outlook Insights

The Application Outlook of the UK Cold Storage Market highlights the diverse range of products stored in cold facilities, catering to various consumer needs and preferences. This segment encompasses Dairy and Frozen Desserts, Fish, Meat and Seafood Products, Bakery and Confectionery Products, Fruit Vegetables, among others. Dairy and Frozen Desserts are essential due to increasing demand for convenience foods and their short shelf life, making cold storage crucial for maintaining quality.

 The Fish, Meat, and Seafood Products segment represents a significant portion of cold storage utilization, driven by the growing trend of seafood consumption and the need for freshness.Moreover, Bakery and Confectionery Products benefit from cold storage to preserve flavors and textures, appealing to high demand in the UK's vibrant food sector. The Fruit Vegetables category, increasingly influenced by health-conscious consumers, relies on cold storage to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage.

 This segmentation showcases the adaptability of the UK Cold Storage Market, with opportunities arising from the increasing e-commerce trends and the focus on sustainable practices. As this market expands, the utilization of advanced technologies is anticipated to further drive efficiency and growth across these varied applications.

UK Cold Storage Market Key Players and Competitive Insights

A variety of companies fighting for dominance in a sector that has expanded dramatically owing to rising demand for temperature-sensitive products define the UK Cold Storage Market. The food and beverage business, drugs, and the fast-expanding e-commerce sector, all of which need strong cold storage solutions, have driven this passion. Companies in the UK cold storage industry are, therefore, primarily investing in technologically sophisticated storage facilities, improving their operational efficiency, and broadening their service offers to get a competitive advantage. In this sector, where customer expectations and regulatory compliance are constantly changing, factors such as automation, real-time inventory management, and specialist handling skills are very vital for distinguishing businesses.

Recognized for its dedication to quality and efficiency in cold chain management, Utopia has become prominent in the UK cold storage market. With an eye on food safety and industry compliance, the firm uses modern technologies to guarantee the best storage conditions for different goods. The strength of Utopia is its extensive network of well-placed locations in the United Kingdom, which helps it to provide localized services, improving supply chain dependability. Attracting environmentally concerned individuals and companies, the firm is likewise committed to sustainability and uses methods that lower energy use and carbon impact. This calculated move not only improves Utopia's standing as a reliable cold storage supplier but also strengthens customer ties.

With a whole spectrum of logistics solutions, including temperature-controlled storage and transportation services, XPO Logistics distinguishes itself from the UK cold storage market. XPO's significant technological and infrastructural investments help it to provide creative ideas like modern inventory management systems and real-time temperature monitoring, therefore guaranteeing high compliance and quality standards.

 Supported by its wide-ranging network throughout the UK and a customer base including both big firms and smaller companies, the company has a dominating market position. By means of proactive mergers and acquisitions, XPO's strengths are enhanced even further, therefore enabling constant expansion of its capacity and service range. This dynamic strategy not only confirms XPO Logistics' position in the cold storage market but also improves its operational efficiency, therefore strengthening its competitiveness in the expanding scene of cold supply chain solutions in the UK.

Key Companies in the UK Cold Storage Market Include:

• Utopia


• XPO Logistics


• Davies Turnbull


• AGRO Merchants


• Almarai


• Wincanton


• Portchester


• Kuehne + Nagel


• Climate Controlled


• NewCold


• Lineage Logistics


• Berkeley Logistics


• Red Dot


• Stenaline


• Norish

UK Cold Storage Market Industry Developments

The UK Cold Storage Market has been experiencing notable developments recently, particularly with growth in demand due to heightened online grocery shopping and increased food export activity. As of August 2023, Utopia expanded its facilities to cater to the growing demand for temperature-sensitive products. 

Meanwhile, XPO Logistics has been investing in automation technologies to enhance operational efficiencies within its cold storage services. In addition, AGRO Merchants announced a strategic partnership with local suppliers to bolster its distribution network. Mergers and acquisitions have also marked the landscape, with Wincanton acquiring a cold storage facility in July 2023, aimed at strengthening its position in temperature-controlled logistics. Kuehne + Nagel is reportedly increasing its cold chain offerings throughout the UK to address rising consumer expectations. 

The market is believed to have grown significantly, with major players like Lineage Logistics and NewCold leading in capacity expansions to meet the surging demand. With ongoing advancements and restructuring, the UK Cold Storage Market is poised for continued growth amidst the shifting consumer landscape and increasing regulatory standards around food storage.

Cold Storage Market Segmentation Insights

• Cold Storage Market Type Outlook
  
  
  
  • Refrigerated Warehouse
  
  
  • Refrigerated Transport
  
  
  
  

• Cold Storage Market Temperature Type Outlook
  
  
  
  • Frozen
  
  
  • Chilled
  
  
  
  

• Cold Storage Market Application Outlook
  
  
  
  • Dairy and Frozen Desserts
  
  
  • Fish, Meat and Seafood Products
  
  
  • Bakery and Confectionery Products
  
  
  • Fruit Vegetables
  
  
  • Others
  
  
  
  

Report Attribute/Metric Source:	Details
MARKET SIZE 2018	7.53(USD Billion)
MARKET SIZE 2024	8.64(USD Billion)
MARKET SIZE 2035	30.45(USD Billion)
COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR)	12.133% (2025 - 2035)
REPORT COVERAGE	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
BASE YEAR	2024
MARKET FORECAST PERIOD	2025 - 2035
HISTORICAL DATA	2019 - 2024
MARKET FORECAST UNITS	USD Billion
KEY COMPANIES PROFILED	Utopia, XPO Logistics, Davies Turnbull, AGRO Merchants, Almarai, Wincanton, Portchester, Kuehne + Nagel, Climate Controlled, NewCold, Lineage Logistics, Berkeley Logistics, Red Dot, Stenaline, Norish
SEGMENTS COVERED	Type Outlook, Temperature Type Outlook, Application Outlook
KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES	Rising demand for e-commerce logistics, Increased perishables transportation, Growth in online grocery shopping, Expansion of pharmaceutical cold storage, Need for sustainable storage solutions
KEY MARKET DYNAMICS	Rising e-commerce demand, Increasing food safety regulations, Expansion of pharmaceutical industry, Technological advancements in refrigeration, Rising demand for organic products
COUNTRIES COVERED	UK